Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches director of Public Witness and Diakonia, returned from Sudan with what he described as “a broken heart” after witnessing the plight of the people. Yet he also shared signs of hope that a pact for peace can end the suffering.
Kevin Maina, a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development and a representative of the Anglican communion, shares his experience as a participant of the United Nations Environment Assembly's sixth session (UNEA-6) in Kenya.
In the heart of a divided land, where the echoes of history reverberate, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is weaving together an intricate tapestry of faith, solidarity, and a fervent call for peace. Jung is a leader with a deep-rooted commitment to transforming the narrative of division on the Korean Peninsula.
Rev. Dr Evans Onyemara, general secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, attended the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meeting from 8-14 November in Abuja, Nigeria. He took time to reflect on accomplishments and challenges in his country, and why he’s grateful for the presence of the WCC.
Matthias Schmale is a UN resident and humanitarian coordinator based in Nigeria. He previously served with the UN Relief and Works Agency, and is also a former World Council of Churches (WCC) steward. He took some time to reflect on his concerns, current work, and fond memories of his days as a steward.
The call for peace in Korea has resonated for decades, echoing across international borders and faith communities. Patti Talbot, who has served The United Church of Canada for nearly 30 years, sheds light on the enduring relevance of ecumenical advocacy efforts for peace in the Korean Peninsula. She shared insights into the importance of these efforts and their potential to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
In a video interview with WCC news, Rev. Dr Liberato C. Bautista, assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, reflects on the dynamics of the ecumenical movement between local and global realities and the role of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in international multilateral dialogue.
Pastorin Terri Hord Owens, Generalministerin und Präsidentin der Christlichen Kirche (Jünger Christi; USA und Kanada), sagte, der Ökumenische Rat der Kirchen (ÖRK) müsse ein Umfeld bereitstellen, in dem man über alle Themen sprechen könne – auch über unangenehme oder komplizierte.
La Rev. Terri Hord Owens, ministra general y presidenta de la Iglesia Cristiana Discípulos de Cristo (EE. UU. y Canadá), afirma que el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) debe ofrecer un entorno en el que las personas puedan hablar de cualquier tema, aunque pueda resultar incómodo o “caótico”.
Terri Hord Owens, pasteure principale et présidente de l’Église chrétienne (Disciples du Christ) [États-Unis et Canada], affirme que le Conseil œcuménique des Églises doit proposer un environnement propice à la discussion sur tous les sujets, même si ceux-ci sont délicats ou mettent mal à l’aise.
Rev. Terri Hord Owens, the general minister and president of the Christian Church, the Disciples of Christ (USA and Canada), says the World Council of Churches (WCC) must offer an environment where people can talk on all issues, even if it is uncomfortable or "messy" to do so.
Following three years of severe drought, in 2018 the City of Cape Town faced an unprecedented water crisis, known as “Day Zero.” Severe water restrictions were introduced to avoid Day Zero, the day in which the city would run out of water.
A reflection originally shared at the "Working Together" meeting between the World Council of Churches and specialized ministries, convened 3-4 May in Bossey, Switzerland.
I received a call from a friend of mine - we both work as medical doctors and had earlier realised that our husbands, who are ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, had been friends for years —this is one of the reasons that drew us to each other. She had been attending the February meeting of the Methodist Women’s Prayer and Service Union (Manyano), Connexional Extended Executive Meeting. My friend said that the general president, Gretta Makhwenkwe, had appointed us to the Wellness Committee.
Prof. Jace Pillay, South African research chair for Education and Care in Childhood at the University of Johannesburg, reflected on the importance of churches in ensuring the rights of children.
Twin brother of World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Jace Pillay noted that South Africa has very good policies with regard to children’s rights —but in many areas those policies exist only on paper, as they are not implemented.
At the St Andrew’s Presbyterian of Church East Africa in Nairobi, Judy Kihumba is the voice between the hearing and the deaf worlds in one of Kenya’s oldest churches.
We mark 4 March as World Obesity Day. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. Obesity has more than tripled since 1975, and more than 1 billion people are obese in the world today.
Con motivo de su investidura como noveno secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), el Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay reflexionó sobre la gran importancia de este día para él, e instó a la comunidad mundial de iglesias y a todas las personas de buena voluntad a orar por él mientras prosigue su labor.
Lors de son installation en tant que neuvième secrétaire général du Conseil œcuménique des Églises (COE), le pasteur Jerry Pillay a évoqué l’importance de cette journée pour lui. Il a également demandé aux membres de la communauté fraternelle mondiale et à toutes les personnes de bonne volonté de prier pour qu’il puisse poursuivre son travail.
